Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Currentcommunityinvolvement
Recentawardsandhonors
Timeline
Generic
Iola Harper

Iola Harper

Philadelphia,USA

Summary

I am a skilled and accomplished professional with diverse expertise, recognized for excellence in economic development, entrepreneurship, supply chain diversity, inclusive procurement, business expansion, and urban commercial corridor advancement. Serving as a regional consultant and acknowledged advocate for minority-owned businesses, I offer training and technical support to small and varied enterprises, specializing in government contracts, inclusive procurement, marketing, retail, small business growth, and social entrepreneurship. My practical involvement spans across a wide range of municipalities, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and business development agencies. I've led strategic planning, diverse vendor integration initiatives, curriculum creation, instruction, and business advisory services for small businesses. Moreover, I bring additional experience in political affairs, legislative matters, as well as press and media connections. My strengths encompass analytical abilities combined with seasoned business and political insight. I have a consistent track record of fostering business relationships and collaborative efforts to reach organizational objectives. I also have proficiency in orchestrating non-profit programs, including grant writing, volunteer coordination, contract and grant supervision, compliance adherence, resource mobilization, and fundraising. Multi-talented Senior Executive knowledgeable about sales, operations, and personnel management. Successful at stepping into diverse positions and making immediate positive contributions. Focused on optimizing operations and motivating employees while establishing market dominance. High-achieving senior executive bringing expertise in business planning, revenue development and change management. Offers 27 years of leadership in economic development along with entrepreneurial, forward-thinking mindset and demonstrated track record of accomplishment.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Executive Vice President

The Enterprise Center
11.2021 - Current
  • Returned to oversee all business programs and oversee all staff
  • Work closely with the President to effectively lead the senior staff
  • Currently focusing on the Community Development Corporation of TEC, ensuring that the staff and its programs are running optimally
  • Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement by promoting open communication channels for feedback from all levels within the organization.

Adjunct Professor

Eastern University
01.2011 - Current
  • Create and conduct graduate level curriculum and lectures on marketing, communications and community development topics
  • Provide intensive student counseling as a thesis Capstone Expert
  • Selected to teach in the Prison Education Program where I work with returning citizens to teach them entrepreneurial skills

Deputy Commerce Director, Office of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity

The City of Philadelphia
10.2016 - 10.2021
  • Successfully managed compliance, monitoring and business development activities to meet city requirements related to minority, women-owned and disabled-owned businesses (MWDSBE) seeking contract opportunities with the City of Philadelphia
  • Worked on creating an inclusive procurement strategy which drove the participation of minority and women owned businesses to as high as 36% for the City
  • Work closely with diverse vendors to ensure that vendors had the knowledge and capacity to compete for BIDs and RFPs
  • Worked with City departments to help demystify their procurement process

Executive Vice President

The Enterprise Center
01.2013 - 10.2021
  • Responsible for planning, developing, managing, coordinating and monitoring The Enterprise Center’s programs as well as thier small and micro business development efforts with specialized focus on food entrepreneurs and urban commercial corridors

Director

Sustainable Communities Initiative
09.2008 - 12.2012
  • Lead staff consultant assigned to the project
  • Coordinate multiple resources to support increased alignment between a collaborative of four strong West Philadelphia Community Development Corporations

Education

MA - Urban Studies

Eastern University
Philadelphia, PA
05.2008

BS - Management

Philadelphia University
Philadelphia, PA
05.1989

Skills

  • Relationship builder with strong people skills
  • Strong work ethic with a steady demeanor
  • Brings stability and calm to situations
  • Directs individuals and groups with confidence and success

Currentcommunityinvolvement

  • Philadelphia250, Board Member, 2024 - present
  • Philadelphia Financial Scholars, Board Member, 2023-present
  • National Coalition of 100 Black Women, 2021, present
  • The Forum of Executive Women, 2018, present
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, present
  • Maternity Care Coalition, Board Member, 2019, present
  • Anti-Racism Commission, The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, 2021, present
  • Global Diversity Advisory Council, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, 2023, present


Recentawardsandhonors

  • Diversity in Business Award – Philadelphia Business Journal
  • Diversity and Inclusion Pioneer – The Philadelphia Inquirer
  • Community Impact Award, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
  • Woman of Influence, Philadelphia National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Timeline

Senior Executive Vice President

The Enterprise Center
11.2021 - Current

Deputy Commerce Director, Office of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity

The City of Philadelphia
10.2016 - 10.2021

Executive Vice President

The Enterprise Center
01.2013 - 10.2021

Adjunct Professor

Eastern University
01.2011 - Current

Director

Sustainable Communities Initiative
09.2008 - 12.2012

BS - Management

Philadelphia University

MA - Urban Studies

Eastern University
Iola Harper